Board explains mask mandate

Brookfield seeks to keep kids in class after 120 have been quarantined already

BROOKFIELD -- Parents addressed the Brookfield Board of Education on Wednesday over concerns with the mask mandate that was implemented Monday after 120 students in the district have had to be quarantined already this school year.

Masks originally were optional, but after cases increased, Superintendent Toby Gibson implemented the mask mandate for all students and staff.

A sign was posted outside the school complex auditorium where the meeting was held that stated masks were required, with a box of masks placed on a table for anyone who needed one. Brookfield police were in the room to make sure everyone wore a mask and those who didn't were asked to leave.

About 40 people attended the meeting, with some in support of the mask mandate and others against.

Gibson said since school started, 120 students have been quarantined between seven to 10 days. He said officials have been watching the numbers and implemented the mandate based on the increases.

"We want to keep the students safe and in school for as long as possible," he said.

Board President Sarah Kurpe said local data shows teens and children are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases this year compared to last year.

She said Trumbull Combined Health District data showed for ages birth to 19, there were 16 cases between August and September 2020, compared to 414 cases between August and September 2021.

Gibson said the district had 33 positive cases during the entire 2020-21 school year, compared to 20 positive cases already this school year.

Parents said they are concerned the buses are picking up double loads of students with two to three students crammed into one seat. Some suggested assigned seats on the bus. The state has mandates anyone riding a school bus must be masked, officials said.

Gibson said the school has had trouble finding bus drivers, meaning fewer buses are picking up more students. He said he will address the matter.

Some parents expressed concern that some students, and even adults, wear the same mask for long periods of time.

Parent Megan Harkless said some children who are quarantined don't have access to Google Classroom or worksheets being sent home.

Parent Jamie Teal, who works as nurse practitioner, said, "Wearing masks is one of the least things people can do to protect ourselves and others."

She said the number of people coming into the hospitals is increasing as much as 80 to 100 per day and she expects it to increase in another week or two following the Labor Day weekend.

Teal said the masks need to be worn correctly, with the mask covering the child's nose and mouth.

"As parents, we should do whatever we can to protect our kids," she said.

Board member Jerry Necastro said he understands the need to wear masks. He said the situation should be evaluated in 60 to 90 days to see if the numbers have gotten better or worse.

Adam Lewis, director of teaching, learning and accountability, said it is important to keep the students in the schools five days per week as many students struggled with online learning last year. He said summer remediation camp was offered to all students to help prepare them for the new year.

"It is obvious that if our kids are not in this building, they are going to struggle," Lewis said.